What's in a Prague street name

U podolského sanatoria was named in the 1940s.

In 1909, a notable Czech doctor, Rudolf Jedlička (more on him on https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2025/05/15/prague-4-day-95-u-jedlickova-ustavu/) decided to build a modern institute – the Prague Sanatorium – to serve wealthy clients.

Designed by architect Rudolf Kříženecký, it consisted of five interconnected buildings, with specialist institutes, operating rooms and various baths.

Construction started in 1910 and was completed in 1914, with the facility inevitably serving as a temporary hospital operated by the Red Cross during World War I. The complex returned to its original purpose when the war ended.

During World War II, it was confiscated by the Nazis and served as a sanatorium for members of the SS; after the war, it was used to treat concentration camp returnees who were suffering from tuberculosis.

In 1946, the complex was transferred to the Ministry of Education and Public Education, who intended for it to be used to provide healthcare to mothers and their children.

Since 1951, it’s been known as the Ústav pro péči o matku a dítě (Institute for Mother and Child Care); it’s colloquially known as the Porodnice v Podolí (Podolí Maternity Hospital). It cooperates with many national and international organisations, including the WHO.

This sculpture at the entrance is by Czech-born Canadian artist Lea Vivot.